Inclusion Programs

Inclusion at the Y means everyone belongs. At the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA, we offer accessible and specialized programming for individuals with neurodiverse and physical disabilities, creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate, connect, and thrive.

To learn more about your eligibility for an inclusion membership please contact the Program and Inclusion Coordinator at 514-737-6551 EXT 235 or inclusion@ymywha.com.

Adult Programs

Chaverim is a collaborative and engaging social program for adults with diverse cognitive profiles. Chaverim encourages participants to develop their communication, decision-making and conflict resolution skills. Each week participants gather with their peers to engage in group discussion, improve on life skills, enjoy games and leisure activities here at the Y.
 
Participants are encouraged to access their creativity and will collaborate with each other on group projects. Supper is included.
 
*This program is offered during winter, spring and fall.

Wednesdays – 5:30PM – 7:30PM
Starting April 15, 2026
Discover the joys of swimming in this recreational swim program, where participants are encouraged to enjoy swimming and are met at the level they are at.
 
Mondays – 6:00PM – 7:00PM
Starting April 6, 2026
A fun and adapted exercise program taught by a certified fitness instructor. Each class incorporates elements of strength, flexibility, mobility and cardio. All movements can be modified to suit individual needs and abilities and seated versions are always provided. Participants must be able to follow exercise instructions while in a group environment.
 
This program is targeted for adults and young adults with diverse abilities! We want to REACH our goals, feeling READY, welcoming EVERYONE, so we are all ABLE to CHALLENGE ourselves and improve our HEALTH.
 
Wednesdays – 4:15PM – 5:15PM
Starting April 15, 2026

In the Mischakim – Life skills program, Inclusion participants will have the opportunity to sit together and learn about a new life skill topic every week through educational videos or with a live professional speaker. Skills and topics such as decision making, budgeting, time management, financial management and many more will be explored.

*This program is not offered during our Spring Season. Check back next season!

Our mission at the Y is to provide a welcoming, engaging, and inclusive Jewish environment where all members can participate. Koulanu Yachad is a program that seeks to embody our mission by providing help to those who need it in order to safely and effectively use our facilities. Due to the nature of this program, dates and times are flexible and based on participant needs. If you or someone you know requires assistance due to their disability in order to fully benefit from our facilities, contact our Inclusion Services at inclusion@ymywha.com

Note: Please contact our Inclusion Services at inclusion@ymywha.com before purchasing online.

Inclusion private swim lessons offer 1 on 1 instruction with a certified lifeguard who’s experienced teaching people with functional limitation such as autism, down syndrome, neurodivergence, and etc. Anyone can book this lesson. The goal is to get each swimmer comfortable in the water and swimming alone. Private swim lessons will be held at the same time every week.

If you are interested in Inclusion Private Swim Lessons please contact inclusion@ymywha.com.

Partnered Programs

A social and recreational program designed for young adults with developmental disabilities, United Explorers takes place every Saturday from 10am-3pm. Program organizers Ebohon and Dolores bring over 25 years of skill and experience working with the neurodiverse community.  Participants use the Y facilities to practice sports and movement, go swimming and engage in sensory integration activities. Every few weeks an organized activity is incorporated into the schedule, such as visiting the library or watching a movie.

Note: Contact Ebohon Idonije at 514 692 9923 or d.e.united.explorers@gmail.com to register *Registered participants must purchase an inclusion membership for full access to the Y facilities*

Saturdays 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
$100 per day

Has your mental health impacted your ability to participate in exercise and daily living? Are you looking for a safe, welcoming environment in which to improve your physical and emotional wellbeing? Our new program can help you get into a healthy routine, grow personally, and make valuable social connections.

This group, facilitated by fitness instructor Julie Adams and psychosocial animators Sarah Tabah and Lisa Zimanyi, is a collaboration between L’Annexe: the Ometz Centre for Young Adults, the First Episode Psychosis Program at the Jewish General Hospital, and the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA.

Join us for an 6-week program of fitness & wellness activities, designed to be welcoming and accessible to young adults experiencing mental illness:

Questions? Please email sarah.tabah@ometz.ca for any wellness session questions and rdhesi@ymywha.com for any fitness questions

*This program is offered during winter, spring and fall. 

Tuesdays – 3:30PM – 5:30PM

Starting April 14, 2026

This program is in partnership with Alink

Inclusion Dance welcomes and involves people of all abilities, backgrounds, and identities. It is designed so that everyone can participate, including individuals with physical, sensory, cognitive, or learning disabilities. The focus is on participation, creativity, and mutual respect rather than perfect technique.

Saturdays – 12:30PM – 1:30PM
Coming soon

Contact Amy Shapiro for more information : Ashapiro@ymywha.com

This program is in partnership with Alink

This welcoming yoga class is designed for people of all abilities and experience levels. Poses and movements are adapted and modified so everyone can participate comfortably, whether seated or standing. The class focuses on gentle movement, breathing, relaxation, and building a supportive community. Everyone is welcome.

Saturdays – 1:30PM – 2:30PM

Coming soon

Contact Amy Shapiro for more information : Ashapiro@ymywha.com

This program is in partnership with Alink

This welcoming floor hockey class is designed for participants of all abilities and experience levels. Activities and rules are adapted and modified so everyone can take part comfortably. The class focuses on teamwork, basic skills, fun gameplay, and building a supportive community. Everyone is welcome.

Sundays – 12:30PM – 2:00PM

Coming soon

Contact Amy Shapiro for more information : Ashapiro@ymywha.com

Youth Programs

In a supportive and developmentally appropriate environment, participants are able to practice their gross-motor and movement skills. The first hour takes place in one of our activity rooms, where the children participate in cooperative games and activities, followed by one hour of fun in the pool. Participants are encouraged to make new friends and develop their physical and cognitive skills while being supported by experienced facilitators.

Schedule:
1pm-2pm: Organized Sports activity
2pm-3pm: Swimming at the Y Pool
 
Sundays – 1:00PM – 3:00PM
 
Starting April 19, 2026

In a supportive and developmentally appropriate environment, participants are able to practice their gross-motor and movement skills. The first hour takes place in one of our activity rooms, where the children participate in cooperative games and activities, followed by one hour of fun in the pool. Participants are encouraged to make new friends and develop their physical and cognitive skills while being supported by experienced facilitators.

Schedule:
1pm-2pm: Organized Sports activity
2pm-3pm: Swimming at the Y Pool
 
Sundays – 1:00PM – 3:00PM
 
Starting April 19, 2026

Inclusion private swim lessons offer 1 on 1 instruction with a certified lifeguard who’s experienced teaching people with functional limitation such as autism, down syndrome, neurodivergence, and etc. Anyone can book this lesson. The goal is to get each swimmer comfortable in the water and swimming alone. Private swim lessons will be held at the same time every week.

If you are interested in Inclusion Private Swim Lessons please contact inclusion@ymywha.com.

* An inclusion membership costs $76 annually, allows members to bring a companion with them, provides early access to inclusion programs and full access to our fitness facilities, pool, and basketball gymnasium.